Voters Information Guide for the 2004 US Election

This guide is a starting point for people wanting information on voting in the upcoming national election on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Voter information varies from state to state, so please use the sites and phone numbers listed to find out about the particular procedures in your state.

Important: Registration deadlines in some states are as early as October 2nd. Register today (it only takes 5-10 minutes).

Who can vote?

In most states, you must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age on November 2, 2004, and registered to vote. Some states have restrictions based on felony convictions and other factors (such as residency). Your state's voter registration form contains full eligibility requirements.

After you've registered, you'll receive a registration notice in the mail sometime before the election. If November is approaching and you haven't received your registration notice, contact your state's voter registration officials to check on your status.

Voting by mail (absentee voting)

If you are unable to vote in person on election day in your state of residence, are living or stationed abroad, or just wish to not worry about going to the polls on election day, you may vote by absentee ballot. To obtain an absentee ballot for your state, enter your zip code on the Just Vote site and it will guide you through the creation of a PDF document which you can print out, sign, and send to the appropriate address for your state.

Where to vote?

The notice sent to you after registering to vote should contain the location of your polling place. If it does not, find where you should vote using Just Vote's polling place locator. Just type in your zip code. If your polling place cannot be located, phone numbers for your local election officials are provided to help you find out.

When?

The election is on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Polls are typically open from 8 AM to 7 PM, but the times vary from state to state so check the poll times for your state. As the election nears, local media will be a good source for when the polls are open in your state.

To find out if identification or your signature is required at the polls, if you get time off of work to vote, if schools are closed, or other information, consult this FAQ on the FEC site.